text:
Before the state expands the T, it should upgrade its existing services, report says
A report by several do-gooder groups says the state needs to do more to improve public transit inside the core of the state's economy - Boston and the other communities clustered around it within and along 128.
The report, by A Better City, with funding from the Barr Foundation and the Boston Foundation, comes just two days after state officials re-affirmed their commitment to building a new commuter-rail line between Boston and Fall River.
Although the impending new cars on the Red and Orange Lines, when paired with signal improvements, will dramatically increase capacity on those lines - 50% on the Red Line and 30% on the Orange - the rapidly growing 20 "core communities" of the greater Boston area need far more to keep the region growing as the state's economic engine, the report says, estimating good public transit pays for itself several times over, through such things as reduced travel times, crashes and vehicular emissions
One possible solution: Purchasing new commuter-rail cars with their own diesel engines, which would allow for subway-like "urban rail" service on current rail lines. The Patrick administration had proposed these; the idea was one of the first things Charlie Baker killed when he became governor.
The report also calls for development of "bus rapid transit" corridors, similar to the theoretical Silver Line "rapid transit" service between Dudley Square and downtown.
BRT could connect places like Forest Hills, Blue Hill Avenue, Dudley, the Longwood Medical Area, Kendall, Lechmere, Everett's Lower Broadway and the Seaport.
The complete report (7.5M PDF).
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Speaking of BRT
What's next for the Roslindale/FH dedicated bus lane concept?
It would be a huge
It would be a huge embarrassment for the city of Boston if they don't implement the rapid bus project to Forest Hills this year because a few entitled drivers complained about fewer free parking spaces.
So no information then
Just the usual harangue? Thanks anyways.
Here is a visual aid to help you understand
I posted a question asking for more information a project which is important to me as a Roslindale resident and the response was that it would 'embarrassing' if it wasn't funded with provides zero new information. Hence, my post.
Anyways, thanks for explaining that buses carry more people than cars. I had thought until just now that cars and buses were the exact same thing.
Hey, is it cheeper to move stuff on freighters or airplanes? That one is also puzzling me...
The google
didn't give me much info on this.
it would be interesting to see the results of the trial. is it over?
I recall that the idea was to roll is out "in the spring," which means any time between March and June.
I still don't get why outbound isn't a part of this, but what do I know?
Bus Rapid Transit
I have a feeling this will replace the Mattapan trolleys
Mattapan gets new vehicles but is downgraded to a bus line
Anyone Live In Bristol County Here?
If you do, would you mind calling whatever toupee wearing back slapper who is your state rep / state senator and tell them stop holding up the rebuilding of the existing T because they want their cousin Manny to get a job rebuilding a bridge somewhere in Freetown? Please.
Easton and Norton don't want the commuter rail going through their towns. There have been options over the years of running a train to Fall River from the over crowded Providence line, leaving at Mansfield, through Norton and down to Fall River, and then onto New Bedford. This means a 2.25 hour trip to Boston from New Bedford.
Commuter rail is great. I take it at least three times a week. It works where it works and I'm sure it will be great someday when it is needed in the City of Sweatpants, but for now, how about fixing Quincy Center station rather than a brand spanking new railroad?
You could have said all that
You could have said all that without a dig towards Portuguese folks.
CR to Fall River
It's such a waste barely anyone would ride it. The T Pass would be around $400 + parking, plus an 60min+ commute. I think the politicians that push for this rail extension just want to do it as a jobs program.
Mass should freeze all CLF expansion, but not all expansion
The bane of South Coast Rail has been these insane Conservation Law Foundation commitments for electrified service to Bristol County. The rest of the commuter rail network is diesel. Yet, they propose electric service for one of the most tepid line proposals. The same goes for the Green Line Extension. The little Somerville spur to Union Square? That was actually developed as a way to get Somerville on board with the CLF GLX. The actual CLF GLX, aka the Medford Line, is just as insane as the SCR electric car demand. A new massive four track trench for four miles of local service. The Somerville Green Line spur will cost around $500 million. The Medford Green Line extension will cost around $2 billion. Baker needs to separate the pragmatic expansion proposals from the crazy CLF proposals. The Greenbush Line was a big enough disaster. Let's not have Greenbush 2.0 and Greenbush 3.0.
You seem to be all over the place on Cambridge vs Somerville, but, either way, the GLX is very well studied and one of the best projected ridership/bang for buck that one could get going through some of the densest neighborhoods in Greater Boston.
Imagine how much more bang
Imagine how much more bang/buck the GLX would provide if it cost a fraction of the current estimate. The money saved could be used on more rail expansion.
Yes. bgl seems to have an electrification or nothing policy
Somerville is open to DMUs as an alternative. It would save the Commonwealth between 1.5 and 1.7 billion dollars.
Construction has begun on the Green Line extension. Federal funding has been secured. Contracts have been signed. Let's just can the whole thing now and lose all the federal funding that is dedicated to the GLX and start from scratch.
Seriously, guy, why do you hate the GLX so much?
Saving 1.5 to 1.7 billion is a bad thing?
Lower taxes is a bad thing? Sound spending is a bad thing? I'm for more transit in Cambridge, Somerville, and Medford. But if there are ways to have the same level of service and save billions, I'm in.
As I already pointed out in my other reply we aren't going to save anything with the magic DMU plan - in fact with the loss of federal matches, we would probably end up spending more in local/MA tax money on it. Again though, the DMUs even at best aren't going to provide the same/better service than the GLX, and the GLX helps the entire line. Somverville/Cambridge are, again, some of the densest neighborhoods in the great Boston Area and it makes sense to expand actual rapid transit to them and it is pretty much the most sound spending we could do. I for one don't mind paying my current taxes (and I certainly pay enough between state and Federal) if it means real investments in real transportation and infrastructure - unlike say the half-assery that was the Silver Line.
State would pay less than half if it went with a GLX alternative
The state's GLX match is just over 1.1 billion. It looks like California just built a 40 mile fra compliant mu rail line for $450 million. 40 miles compared to 4.5 miles. Its safe to say a DMU GLX alternative would be less than $450 million, which is less than half of the $1.1 billion state match. So no, the state would pay less if it went with a GLX alternative. In addition, Allston, Grove Hall, Downtown Chelsea, Dudley all have higher densities than Somerville's Union Sq and Western Medford. Its best to improve transit in those four areas alongside Somerville and Medford
Bullshit on the "blah blah denser blah blah". You are denser between the ears. People have shown and cited census information REPEATEDLY to show that you are WRONG. Please check census figures - NO GERRYMANDERING - and try again.
Or just take your fact-free bullshit and go the fuck away. On a DMU, if necessary.
You may be interested in this data
ACS, US Census data. Somerville and East Cambridge are in the middle of the pack
Good reference, but ...
You used it incorrectly.
The entire GLX corridor is very heavily populated. The other places have small foci of higher population density,but their overall density is nowhere near what Somerville and the GLX corridor in particular maintain.
You cannot compare small blocks or small areas to a larger area that is consistently densely populated. That is ridiculous.
If you are going to cite things like this, you really should read them first. Learning how to read them is also important.
Pretty much incorrect. BTW, with DMUs, you still have to do the the stations, which... are a huge part of the price tag. Oh, and then no union square spur? No improvements to the entire green line with the new maintence facility? BTW - you, as I have pointed out, are again leaving out the North Station Expansion that would be needed for any increased service/capacity that even push/pulls would bring, let alone DMUs.
If by that you mean cost even more than the GLX, then sure. DMU dingy service? So lets see - cost to buy them, cost to build/upgrade maintence facilities for them, oh, and North Station is already at/beyond capacity so it would also require the North Station expansion project or the NSRL and still wouldn't provide anywhere near the service levels or convenience that the GLX is providing. Plus the GLX enhances the entire line and all branch service with the added maintence facility - this way they now have one at both ends of the line, along other things that will help out ops on the green line.
BTW, the green line is already funded and paid for, including basically dollar for dollar matching federal funds. None of the work for DMUs or to support them have this funding.
The state has an active urban rail study
Which includes multiple unit analysis. In addition, only a fraction of the GLX is funded. The feds handed over $100 million, not $1 billion. They can cut off funding at anytime. The state has yet to come up with a full matching plan
$100 million handed over
But another $896 million has been committed by the feds. Once again, you are proving that your grasp of the facts is tenuous.
If you think $515 million per LRT mile is bang-for-your-buck
Then you have expensive taste my friend. There are new construction heavy rail subways in the US with lower cost-per-mile amounts. Even the lead GLX advocates admit the line is expensive.
It is - but then again it includes 7 stations, the community path, remediation work, an entire new yard and maintenance facility, the Type-9 rolling stock order, multiple bridges, and work done literally next to an active heavy rail line. Again, the line hits one of the densest areas without rapid transit and is a hell of a lot bigger bang for the buck than the SCR.
Not OK. That's Green-At-Any-Cost
Its too expensive. Even after the Baker cuts.
Basically you just don't want to expand service then at any cost? The GLX is the right way to go and was studied (along with alternative) ad nauseum. Good transit costs money and ends up paying it back pretty easily.
Baker's Cuts?
That's strange - it is the Great and General Court that decides what money gets spent.
More evidence that you don't live here.
Consider this:
MA House: 35 Republicans, 125 Democrats
MA Senate: 4 Republicans, 36 Democrats
They could fix the system. They just don't. They could override Baker. They just don't.
Have a problem with transit spending? Talk to these guys.
The CLF had nothing to do
The CLF had nothing to do with the electrification requirement - that was mandated by the Army Corps of Engineers as a condition of granting the necessary wetlands permits.
That is not true
If it started with the Army Corps. Then Providence CR would be required to electrify as well.
You and the other anon can
You and the other anon can read for yourselves: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects-Topics/South-Coast-Rail/
This is an established fact that has been known for years.
Understand this
The GLX troll does not accept established facts.
Also, I think both anons are in fact the same person, but that's just a theory. I mean, we could say they all look the same to us and be right, too.
Yeah I really need to stop
Yeah I really need to stop taking the bait. I mean 3 new, very similarly worded replies from anons after I posted a link to the EIS still claiming otherwise.
Honestly I don't even understand why Adam still allows these trolls to post.
california seems to have found a way around this
good news for pacheco, taunton, fall river, and new bedford
Apples to oranges.
Apples to oranges.
The Army Corps of Engineers approves permits on a case-by-case basis, and can slap on whatever requirements they want. In this case, they added a requirement for electrification.
I don't even understand what you're arguing at this point. Have you now accepted that the Corps are responsible for the electrification requirement rather than the CLF, but think that the Corps' requirement is invalid because it didn't apply to another project across the country?
What are you saying?
That two different projects in two different ecosystems emerged from their environmental review with two different results? Crazy.
You're right
The Cali train runs through miles of extremely fragile wetlands within a state with extremely harsh environmental guidelines. Great news for Mass
They got approval from the agencies that oversee this
And from what I gather, California is pretty strict with their environmental policies.
Oh, and the route is in the median of a highway, not in the middle of a wetland.
New diesel train in California's Bay Area, wetlands, no elec req
A new diesel train started running just north of San Francisco in Cali's Bay Area. It crosses through miles of wetlands in the counties of Marin and Sonoma. There was no federal electrification requirement barrier. Its one track most of the way. The train connects small cities and crosses miles of sparsely populated terrain. I also believe its an MU. The train A Better City mentioned in its report. It might be a good model for South Coast Rail. Massachusetts should get in touch with Cali. See how they got things done.
That's the SMART train
It was estimated at $500 million for 40 plus miles of rail service. It came in under budget at around $450. Roughly $11 million per mile. After a few months, they're already adding cars to meet demand
The CLF pushes electrification 24/7 via third parties
They always pester residents in Mattapan and Roxbury to advocate for Fairmount electrification.
Conservation Law is so sad
They always target poor communities. Believing they don't have any knowledge of city and state operations
The CLF tried the same Army Corps line during Greenbush
Hingham kicked out of that in mere days. There's nothing at the federal level preventing SCR from becoming all diesel
There's no law preventing it,
There's no law preventing it, no, except for the fact that the Army Corps of Engineers needs to approve wetlands permits, and the Corps only did so on the condition that the line must be electrified.
I linked right to the EIS above. Read it for yourself.
I'm sorry the facts contradict your narrative.
You again.
I'm not even sure you have ever been TO Boston, let alone outside of it.
You are ridiculous. The CLF didn't "order" the GLX - IT WAS MANDATED BY A COURT ORDER AS A MITIGATION TO THE BIG DIG THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPOSEDLY PAID FOR.
Also, look at a fucking map sometime, why don't you? One of the most densely populated areas IN THE UNITED STATES is not served by rapid transit.
1991. Dukakis Admin & the CLF
something to look up
The GLX Troll is right
Much like a stuck clock, he speaks the truth for once. The Conservation Law Foundation did fight for the extension of the Green Line into Somerville and Medford, along with the revival of the Old Colony commuter rail and a few other things.
And technically, at the time all of the mitigation requirements were unfunded, but of course projects like these typically get federal funding, which all of the mitigation projects that have been done, or in the case of GLX are being done, have received.
GLX Troll?
All I'm saying is this
There's someone too cowardly to post with a name who insists that the Green Line extension is the worst thing in the world. Since he repeatedly does this, he's the GLX troll. If he was brave enough to just register with a fictitious name (like I have) or even just post with a name without registering (like the SoBo Yuppie) I would just call him by that name, but he doesn't, meaning I assume every anti GLX comment is by him.
That's a bad policy
Have you seen the housing lotteries in Somerville? Gentrification is hitting Somerville hard. Over two decades I have met hundreds if not thousands who are displeased with the GLX.
I know of only one person who opposes this
And his names is "anon (not verified)"
If the people of Somerville really opposed this, we'd be hearing from different people with real names.
You know what?
I find it really hard to believe that you live around here, have ever been to any of the places that you mention, or know anything whatsoever about any neighborhood but your own if you do.
You clearly know nothing about the demographics or cartography of any place you make these statements about. You just repeatedly chant your mantras like they will magically become true if you repeat them often enough.
Perhaps you should apply for a position in the current regime, given your passion for DIY "facts".
I live in Somerville, within
I live in Somerville, within walking distance of one of the GLX stops, and everyone I talk to is either indifferent or supports it.
I've also met hundreds if not thousands of people who are displeased with it, but they tend to not be the ones who actually live here and would actually benefit from it.
WGBH covered one of the Somerville housing lotteries
Back in 2016. The reporters were right. It was heartbreaking to watch.
Latest 2018 Somerville lottery: 500 candidates for 2 slots
Its getting out of hand. Capuano and Curtatone need to act
Actually its a little bit higher
When you factor in detour costs and lost revenue from cancelled or diverted trains north of the GLX. Town assessments will be adjusted during the construction period.
Don't forget the Seaport and Fairmount areas
The Conservation Law Foundation mucked up the transit there too
Wrong again
Menino mucked it up by building out according to a 1950s template for Redevelopment.
One that left out the fact that many workers would want to get there from North Station, and many more by South Station, and not so many by car.
You should look up the South Boston Piers Transitway initiative
Menino isn't at fault
No. That's like blaming Walsh for the current state of the T
Boston mayors have limited T & DOT reach
I can still hear the Conservation Law screaming
What could have been a useful GLX from the Back Bay trunk to the Seaport, aka the original South Boston transit-way concept, turned into the plop you see today. The city and state wanted a Seaport rail connection to boost waterfront activity. Conservation Law demanded another transit link to Logan. Presto. You get a half-completed GLX tunnel with a bus running through it.
Filling in a missing space in one of the most densely populated areas IN THE NATION is what we NEED from transit.
Can you think twice before approving substance-free GLX and CLF comments?
Pretty pretty please?
Pretty pretty please?
not what it says
My internet defines do-gooder as "a well-meaning but unrealistic or interfering philanthropist or reformer." That's not how I would describe A Better City, The Boston Foundation, and the Barr Foundation.
And I don't think the report says "Before the state expands the T, it should upgrade its existing services". It says we need to eliminate the State of Good Repair backlog, enhance core capacity of the rapid transit backbone, and a set of service enhancements (new infill stations, urban rail, regional rail, bus rapid transit, and better ferry service).
Forget diesel engines. We
Forget diesel engines. We need the commuter rail lines electrified. They'd have lower emissions and faster speeds. Also no more choking on toxic diesel fumes when a train goes by. Lets join the rest of the developed world in the 21st century.
The beginning of the report does a good job explaining why public transportation is a great investment especially compared to the disaster that is planning a city around cars.
That's a lot of money
That could be spent on things like switches and a better signaling system that could lead to decreased headways between trains.
Also, the emissions don't disappear. They just get concentrated in the areas around power plants. And since Pilgrim is shutting down, that's a lot of natural gas exhaust.
re: emmision, centrally-sourced = better managed
What you say about the concentration of emmisions in an electrified system is true. But centrally located emisions are far more easily managed and at a lower ultimate cost.
It also adds flexibility and robustness to the system because electrical devices, including trains, cannot tell the difference between electrons produced by a gas, coal, wind, or wave power plant.
Finally, in terms of immediate impact on individual human health, natural gas exhaust is less onerous than deisel (although, of course, mitigating the release of CO2 + assorted byproducts from any combustion is important).
that's true for sure
but I do think fixing the existing infrastructure stuff like switches would be the best initial use of money over evolving the system to a new standard.
Check out the state's web pages - the electric generation sector has been substantially decarbonized. It is the transportation sector that is holding things up now.
I'm glad to hear that natural gas does not contribute to global warming.
No where near the levels of other fossil fuels - you know, like diesel.
But when someone who works in environmental science notes that the Commonwealth has "decarbonized" electricity production, one has to note that the statement is at odds with the truth.
thus the word
substantially, which means significant reduction, not elimination
There's an implication
That we don't need to worry about carbon now in electricity generation, which is not really true.
Please read comments
Before replying by saying stupid things.
And before doubling down on the stupid when it is called out.
Substantially = nearly as much as is possible = quite a lot: http://www.mass.gov/eea/air-water-climate-change/climate-change/massachu...
Substantially = going to be a lot easier to get further reductions from the transportation sector.
Substantially? he asks again
Places with good hydro or geothermal sources of electricity can say that, or nations like France where 90% of electricity production comes from carbon free sources. Massachusetts can say correctly that carbon emissions have decreased, but we still burn gas for most of our energy, and that produces greenhouse gases. As long as electricity production produces carbon emissions, I will continue to take issue with the phrase "substantially decarbonized."
There is a finite capacity to
There is a finite capacity to diesels engine and their acceleration/speeds. Electric locomotives accelerate much, much faster. They are also an order of magnitude more reliable that diesels (as far as issues vs # miles) and last quite a bit longer, making it a wise investment into the future. BTW, do you have any actual sources where signaling and switches are a large limiting factor of time of trip and headways? I'll wait.
Stadler DMUs do just fine for
Stadler DMUs do just fine for acceleration and reliability. And federal regulators have shown willingness to allow them.
Once the concept of frequent, short trains is proven, and ridership increases while operating costs drop, we can look into electrification. Except of course on the Providence line, where we should deploy EMUs ASAP.
I mean
DMUs are nice and should be looked into, but, like the NEC is almost fully electrified already and should be EMUs and the Fairmont Line at least should be electrified for EMUs. The NEC is already crazy overcrowded, though, so increasing service on it will be tricking (and probably cause the death of the Needham line).
Other issue with running DMUs or EMUs will be that they will require either both the South Station Expand and North Station Expansion, or the NSRL (and probably both eventually) to be done to free up capacity at the end terminals - neither of which have capicity today for either EMUs or DMUs, and the NSRL would require EMUs and electrification of any lines using it.
BART built a diesel mu line that starts at the end of it's electrified service. Wherever the GLX ends, a diesel line can begin
What does that have to do with the price of milk? And, no, it can't - not at least with a much different station layout at the end of the line, and even then ops will be a nightmare (and service degraded where it used to directly be a one seat ride to North Station).
By the way
The line in question is not is service yet and runs on a dedicated right of way. It's kind of like the Mattapan High Speed Line. So I guess what he is thinking is to lay a dedicated line next to the Lowell Commuter Rail line with all the stations planned, just not connected to the Green Line at Lechmere and using diesel cars. I mean, what's not to like about that? All the costs plus more diesel emissions along the route.
Multiple Units with a waiver
Multiple units with a waiver mean the new trains can run on the same tracks as traditional commuter rail. Green line trolleys cannot. They need their own tracks. MUs + waiver means you don't need to build two new track lines or widen the existing commuter rail trenches. The T can save millions if not billions.
And this might be a crazy idea, they could just build what they have signed contracts and accepted federal money for, which is what the people of Somerville by and large want.
By the way, how can you save "billions" on a $2 billion project?
Just Brilliant. I am kind of surprised at how this odd anti-GLX group (or single person) has instead latched onto DMUs as the alternative/their savior.
Let's be honest
It's a single person.
I could even track down his name. He replied to some article noting that if the GLX is built, the Lowell Line and Amtrak will be doomed because they would not be able to put in a third track. Of course, north of Medford they cannot put in a third track anyway, but since when should logic get in the way of an argument.
Probably refers to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in California
They built a diesel rail extension from their Pittsburg Park & Ride. Diesel train passengers get off at Pittsburg and transfer onto the electrified portion of BART. They could build something similar here. A diesel train that ends wherever the GLX begins. You get off the diesel train and onto the GLX. No need for North Station commuter rail bays
Stadler DMUs are low-floor vehicles
Boston needs high floor vehicles
Boston can use both low-floor and high-floor DMUs
Some Massachusetts commuter rail lines still have low platforms. An example. You could run a low-floor DMU with waivers from the end of the GLX to Brandeis University on the Fitchburg Line. Each station between and including the GLX and Brandeis have low floors
Maintenance and Priorities
Before we get new engines, I'd like to see more investment in fixing rails and bridges, so that we have fewer sections with speed restrictions due to poor conditions.
I am excited to hear about more capacity on the Red and Orange lines, I hope this helps with stability and reliable service.
Well we have one line that's
Well we have one line that's already electrified, the Providence Line, since it used by Amtrak. So we could start by converting the commuter rail to EMUs on that line quite easily!
Or even running it with electric locomotives
I used my magic GPS watch to time the acceleration out of Route 128 station for two trains, an eight-car MBTA train and an eight-car Amtrak train. The MBTA train filled with passengers weighs about 18% more, but the Amtrak train has 86% more horsepower (8600 hp vs 4600) so it accelerates more quickly. It actually doesn't do better below 30 mph, this is where DMUs and EMUS rule the day, because they can distribute power over more wheels to prevent wheel slipping: they each get to 30 mph in about 25 seconds.
But above 30 mph, they diverge. The MBTA hits 40 mph in a minute, 60 in two minutes and 70 in four minutes climbing the hill after the Canton viaduct. Amtrak, on the other hand, continues to accelerate, 100 in four minutes and nearly 120 in three minutes. With the stop spacing on the Providence Line, an MBTA train with that sort of acceleration and a top speed of 100 would shave 10 minutes off the travel time between Providence and Boston, even making all of the stops it currently does.
Oh, and the electric locomotives are basically diesel locomotives with all of the stuff that doesn't work well stripped off since they get their power not from an on-board generator but from the wire above.
Not to mention fewer fights
Not to mention fewer fights with the neighbors about the hazards of diesel exhaust every time you want to increase or expand service.
Incremental change is better
A sudden shift would be catastrophic
There's no before/after
Don't pit one kind of mass transit supporter against another. We need both improvements on existing service, expansion of service 'between' lines of existing service, and to expand the MBTA to new areas in the 'burbs.
I might ride CR twice a year, but I support it. I would hope that folks around 128 also support an improved Red Line. Good investment in mass transit is economically wise and socially just, both in Boston proper and in the outskirts.
Same ABC report : Celtics fans on a Dmu
ABC comes out with the same report every five years. There's nothing to worry about. Few items moved under Patrick. Nothing is moving under Baker. In regards to their diesel multiple unit pitches, or dmu pitches, there's alot of bluster. Dmu fans tell you the vehicles will cure all of Boston's ills (they won't). Environmental groups like the ELM and CLF tell you the vehicles will destroy all of Boston in an instant (they won't). However, they can help in certain cases if Bostonians knew what a Dmu was. For example. A dozen of my co-workers went to the recent Celtics game in Toronto. They flew in and took the train from the airport to the arena in Downtown Toronto and back. When they returned I asked about their ride to the game. They praised the "bullet train" between the airport and the arena. I told them, that isn't a "bullet train", that's just a plain (and ugly) dmu train. It does its job and does it well. It has problems (like engine malfunctions) but I'm sure Bostonians dream of the day when they have one train breakdown per year. Maybe as more Celtics fans visit Toronto, the concept of what a dmu is will start to sink in.
The problem with the SCR project is that its a boondoggle - what $3+ Billion for a projected 4,570 daily riders. GLX, as an example, is a ~$2 Billion for a projected 52,000 daily riders.
Bulk of GLX projected ridership comes from North P. Build Out
The new Lechmere station is technically part of the GLX. And Somerville is technically part of North Point aka Cambridge Crossing. North of Lechmere, the ridership numbers are similar to SCR
Not quite
Increases in ridership from North Point would have been reflected in the model where nothing was done, since they would be using Lechmere Station which, you'd be surprised to find out, already exists in a location slightly to the west of the proposed station.
You should really visit Somerville some day. Union Square is happening. Tufts has a lot going for it. It's a really dense area. You know, the kind of place that could really benefit for a project like this.
Incorrect as Waquiot pointed out. BTW, Lechmere, even with the GLX needed to be redo either way. It is true, though, that some of the ridership will be cannibalized from existing bus users (generally that terminated at Lechmere), but, I mean thats the point right - better service than the existing buses.
Cannibalizes the Red Line and underperforming buses
The CLF pushed the GLX as an electrified Park & Ride from Rt 16. Everything else was an afterthought
These are great ideas, but
These are great ideas, but the real question is who is going to pay for this?
You can produce as many white papers as you want but it does no good unless you know how you are going to get the funds.
Well the whole whose going to
Well the whole whose going to pay for it issue and pitting basic upkeep that's been postponed for decades vs expansions that have been proposed for decades doesn't happen with highway projects. How did the route 2 expansion, or the 128 expansion get paid for, what basis upkeep was cancelled for that. How is the billion dollar turnpike project in Allston getting paid for. Certainly not the gas tax, that has only increased a few cents over the past few decades, while the t has doubled in that time.
If you read the report...
...you will see that they are not so much suggesting additional money overall for transit, but rather a reconsideration of where the current Commonwealth transportation budget is directed. Their thesis is that the current scheme is unbalanced, inefficient and unsustainable; that is to say - more costly than what is neccessary for an effective transportation network.
Reader's Digest version: The report says that right now we are spending more to get less.
Maybe local governments
Maybe local governments should pay to maintain tracks the same way local governments are responsible for maintaining roads.
I think it's high time the
I think it's high time the colleges, universities and sports teams start kicking in their fare share.
There is a local government MBTA assessment already
They already do. Is it the right amount? Dunno. But cities and towns do, in fact, pay an MBTA assessment.
Show me the money
Excellent report and some great ideas but the Feds aren't funding transit projects like they use to so where is the money coming from?
What's especially sad is the
What's especially sad is the 30% "improvement" on the Orange Line simply brings service back up to the level of the late 1980s, which operated with the exact same trains and exact same tracks that we have now, back when the trains were still new and reliable and the tracks were faster. I'm not sure why they now need almost 30% more trains to provide the same service that they did in 1988, but I suspect it's because of "temporary" slowdowns that slowly become permanent.
I think you missed something
They are ordering new Orange Line trains, so it would not be the exact same trains. It would be entirely different trains.
And if you cannot figure out what they want to up the capacity of the Orange Line by 30%, you haven't been riding the Orange Line.
What he is saying is that in
What he is saying is that in 1987, with the same 120 trains from 1980 we have now, they were running trains every 4.5 minutes instead of the present every 6 minutes. In a few years, with 152 new trains, we will be improving the frequency from the present every 6 minutes, back to what it was in 1987. With 32 more cars, you might think they could improve the frequency to something even better than what it already once was 30 years ago.
I don't think the orange line
I don't think the orange line ever hit that (on schedule) after the El came down - the new fleet was undersized. The new headways is what it always was supposed to be if we had ever had the correct number of cars to do it.
Coordination of trains can help
There often are trains that run too close together resulting in trains that are infrequent. It will be a waste if new trains replicate the same pattern.
Same applies to buses. It is demoralizing when 39 buses leave Forest Hills bunched together, 2 and even occasionally 3 buses minutes after each other.
Leads one to think no one is paying attention.
They already do this.
They already do this.
People complain that trains are bunched up.
The MBTA holds the second train for a schedule adjustment.
People complain that their train is standing by "for no good reason".
Bunching is largely a function of crowding. The schedule depends on short dwells at stations - open the doors, close them again 20 seconds later, and you're off. But when the trains and platforms are so crowded that it takes 2-3 minutes to get a train through a single station stop, it falls behind schedule, causing larger crowds to build up on platforms farther down, causing the train to fall farther behind. Meanwhile, it has taken a disproportionate load at each stop, leaving fewer people for the trains behind it to pick up, letting them have shorter dwells, and thus catch up to it.
The new trains should help a bit, in that they have more doors per car, which should cut down on dwells. But the bunching problem is going to still happen now and then.
Kind of
The Orange Line actually keeps the same number of doors, but they are significantly wider - a wheel chair can fit through a single leaf of the door in the new ones. They will actually be, afaik, the widest doors on any rapid transit system. There are some good studies from London, HK, and I think NYC that actually show significant dwell time reductions from these wider doors, and the MBTA took that and went even further. The red line has the same thing - but it standardizes now on 4 sets of doors for everything.
Discussions have been going on since the early 1980's to extend the Blue Line into Lynn and Salem.
38 years later, where is it...
But Big Dig Baker likes cars not public transit
But in that 38 years, theres been tons of expansions of the highways built in greater Boston, most of them free! We are looking to Houston as a model instead of a transit oriented city. Even LA has added over a hundred miles of new light rail. Baker is focused on the MA pike in Allston project while he cancels/delays transit projects. Its what he knows, he was pretty central in the Big Dig, especially some of the flim flam aspects with the cost.
They missed one important issue
Where is the affordable housing in MA?
New Bedford
Much easier to build ways for people to rapidly get to those place than it is to build enough affordable housing inside that little special service area.
The T is spending a fortune
The T is spending a fortune on 500 hyper-bright digital signs... what a colossal waste of money that could have been spent to improve service.
Pretty sure those are being
Pretty sure those are being paid for by the contractor that handles advertising, rather than by the T itself (though I may be mistaken).
Also, the cost of a few hundred LCD screens would still only buy you maybe 1 new subway car.
But I'm old!
And if I think that anything involving technology must be horrifically expensive YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT!
One thing that annoyed me about the report
Since when has there been something called "the Hyde Park Villages." I'm fairly certain the area is called "Hyde Park," and has been called that since at least 1868.
They did this
when discussing the GLX extension too, on one of the maps.. I think they were just trying to specify the various squares in the neighborhood.
About a month ago I received a message on my flickr about getting the rights to some of the photos I've taken. Was a woman from this group.
I didn't think of it until this afternoon when she sent me a copy of this report.
Then I sit down to dinner and I see Adam's post.
But it's a nice photo. Your photo will probably be one of those go-to photos of the project.
My plan
First fix transit within the urban part of metro Boston. An urban ring rapid transit line and a new link between North Station, South Station and the Seaport are needed badly. Then, rather than extending the present rapid transit lines, turn the Commuter Rail system into a grade separated semi- rapid transit system along the lines of the BART in the Bay Area. For instance, if Lynn had frequent and fast service to Boston via this service, there would be no need to extend the Blue Line there. Of course, an expensive link between North and South Station must be built, enabling through service throughout the region. To pay for this, increase the gas tax by a quarter and charge all Uber-style trips an extra buck. Everybody can't drive into Boston, which means the T is vital to our city's success. It's time to take the hit and start investing. However, like many people, I don't have much confidence in the present MBTA management. Before I'd give them more money, I'd insist on some major changes.
Anyone else here been on the
Anyone else here been on the dedicated busways around Pittsburgh?


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News & Notes: Game 80
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 (7:05 p.m.) – Coca-Cola Field
TV: Time Warner Cable SportsNet HD 713
Radio: WWKB AM 1520, bisons.com
Buffalo Bisons (34-45, T4th(-12.0), North)
RHP Jack Egbert (0-1, 6.23)
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (45-32, 1st, North)
LHP Ryan Feierabend (5-5, 6.24)
TODAY'S GAME: Tonight, the Bisons take on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in the first game of a four-game series at Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.). The Bisons opened their season-long 10-game homestand with a four-game sweep of the Norfolk Tides. Buffalo won all four of the games by two or fewer runs. After their set with the IronPigs, the Bisons host the Chiefs for two games, July 2-3.
VS. THE IRONPIGS: Buffalo is 3-5 against the IronPigs this season. The clubs split a four-game series in Buffalo, April 22-25, and Lehigh Valley won three of four at Coca-Cola Park, April 30-May 3. Despite being outscored in the series, 39-32, the Bisons have hit .283 against IronPig pitching this season. Lehigh Valley hitters have just a .215 mark against the Herd.
ON THE BUMP: RHP JACK EGBERT will finally make his Coca-Cola Field debut tonight. The righty was claimed by the Mets off waivers (Chicago-AL) during the 2010 off-season but suffered an arm injury in spring training. All told, Egbert spent 191 games on the Bisons disabled list over the last season and a half. In his first Bisons start on Thursday in Durham, Egbert allowed three runs in 4.1 innings in a defeat to the Bulls.
EVANS ALMIGHTY: INF NICK EVANS stretched his hit streak to 17 games last night, the first Bisons player to reach that mark since 2007. Four years ago, outfielders FRANKLIN GUTIERREZ and BEN FRANCISCO each had 17-game stretches. In his streak, Evans has averaged .477 (31-65) with 10 doubles, two homers, 14RBI and 14 runs scored. Only four Bisons players have reached 20 games with a hit streak in the modern era.
ROSTER MOVE: INF ZACH LUTZ has been placed on the disabled list, retroactive to June 25, with a concussion. The slugger was hit in the head with a pitch on Friday night by Norfolk's Steve Johnson. INF JON MALO has been called up from Double-A Binghamton to fill his spot. Malo has hit .154 (4-26) in 16 games with the Herd this year. Also, RHP JOSE DE LA TORRE has been transferred off the Bisons disabled list and to the Gulf Coast League Mets. The reliever has missed the last 37 games with a right shoulder strain.
METS UPDATE: The Mets (39-39) were off yesterday as they begin a three-game series at Comerica Park against the Tigers. In their last two games in Texas, New York scored 22 runs in a pair of wins over the Rangers. Tonight the Mets send former Bisons RHP R.A. DICKEY to the mound against the Tigers (7:05 p.m.).

subset: commoncrawl


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What's New
Dannette Outline Font by Fonthead Design
What can one say about the beautiful Dannette? She's elegant yet casual, a bit formal yet easygoing. She graces the page like a sly smile, and you can't help but wonder what she's thinking. Oh, and the serifs? Exquisite.
Much like her sister Dannette, Dannette Outline is elegant yet casual, a bit formal yet easygoing. She's got the same sweet serifs, but there's something different about her, something more nuanced. When she prances across the page, Dannette Outline uses a lighter step.
Tags: Font, Handwritten, Serif


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Notes from Saturday's second minicamp practice:
After a rough morning practice that included dropped passes and counsel from Jeff Garcia, wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey mostly watched during the second session.
The No. 1 draft pick, who at one point Saturday morning was being worked on by the training staff for an apparent cramp, went through some drills but did not participate in any seven-on-seven or team drills.
Raiders coach Tom Cable, who addresses the media once in the afternoon, declined to update Heyward-Bey's status.
"He said he'll get into it tomorrow," senior executive John Herrera said.
— Al Davis made his first minicamp appearance a little before 5 p.m., watching on a cart and departing before the session was finished.
— Guard Cooper Carlisle found himself on the ground during the no-contact drills courtesy of Tommy Kelly two times in a span of three plays.
— Tight end Chris O'Neill, an undrafted free agent from Boise State, made the best catch of minicamp so far, reaching up and cradling a one-handed catch from Jeff Garcia more than 20 yards downfield behind Michael Huff and Jerome Boyd, the Oregon linebacker who is being played at safety.
— During a seven-on-seven drill, Garcia spied McFadden with one-on-one coverage by rookie free-agent linebacker David Nixon of BYU. Garcia pump faked and found McFadden for a 45-yard gain down the sideline not far from where Davis was watching practice in his cart.
— Russell's passing continued to be hit and miss, with a lot short throws to running backs and tight ends with the occasional attempt downfield. He found Louis Murphy on a deep cross on one attempt, and later threw a high wobbler down the left sideline toward Murphy that missed badly out of bounds with Justin Miller in coverage.
Practice ended with Russell completing a sideline route to Murphy.
— The second session, particularly in the early stages, was much more spirited and energetic.
— Early in the session, a hawk emerging from the field beyond the fence at the Oakland Airport flew through the air with a snake and landed on a nearby communications tower, where it came under the scrutiny of a few other birds who were diving at his prey.
Some support staff and a few players were watching, until returning their gaze to the field when play resumed _ all except Shane Lechler, who never punted in the session and could afford to watch the show.
— Tommy Kelly jumped offsides during a team session, with five yards marked off for the offense since the first down markers were in use. The Raiders bypassed recognition of similar fouls in the first session.
— A good sign offensively _ two well-executed screen passes, one from Russell to Michael Bush and another from Bruce Gradkowski to Louis Rankin.
— Aside from Heyward-Bey, those who did not participate included left guard Robert Gallery, defensvie tackle Gerard Warren, defensive end Derrick Burgess, tight end Zach Miller, center Samson Satele and fullback Oren O'Neal. Linebacker Ricky Brown returned after sitting out the first session, and deflected and nearly intercepted a Garcia pass.
The Raiders wrap up their minicamp with a single practice Sunday at 11:45 a.m.


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DeviantART user DrFaustusAU knocked our foxy socks off with his Seussian takes on The Call of Cthulhu. Now he's experimenting with Green Eggs and Batman, rendering the residents of Gotham as Dr. Seuss might have.
Here's hoping DrFaustusAU comes up with a longer rhyming Batman story as he's been doing for The Call of Cthulhu.
DrFaustusAU [DeviantART via Super Punch]
G/O Media may get a commission


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Our August 2012 Photo of the month was taken at Oahu Hawaii North Shore. I was able to grab my camera to get a quick shot of two local surfers cooling and showering off from a hard day at point break ! This photo as placed 2nd place at the 2012 Kentucky State Fair.
Our December 2013 Photo of the month was taken in Gatlinburg, TN. This night shot was taken with an eight second shutter speed. I was able to capture the passion of the performers within the eight seconds. This photo is one of my favorites because it has so much detail throughout the photo. For some you can't visit Gatlinburg without some great mountain music and for others you can't visit without some great music and Davy Crockett Whiskey.
The February 2015 Photo of the month comes from the Henderson Wedding. Darrell had Zach and Jeff (the bride and groom's sons) to sit down for a 8 Second shutter This allowed just the right amount of lighting to bring the warmth inside.
Our June 2015 Photo of the Month was taken during the Louisville and Florida State Baseball Game. This beautiful HDR photograph of Brendan McKay sliding into 3rd base shows the perfect technique of sliding. Congrats to coach Mac and the Louisville Baseball team for capturing their first ACC Division Championship and setting a new ACC record for most Conference wins in their Inaugural season.
This photo of coach Dan McDonnell after his Super Regional Win over Kennesaw State is our June 2014 Photo of the Month. The celebration was short and the focus on the CWS was expeditiously. You can see the focus chiseled in coach's face as he left the celebration.


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Cycle : End-to-End
- the definitive resource
ALL the rides ...
All the rides that have been listed in the Ride Calendar since April 2009 when the site was launched (With Rob & Joe's JOGLE in 2005 that started the site idea)
Some limited sorting is possible using the column headers - and, where added, riders' notes can be seen.
Page 1 of 12
Make a Donation
Thank you!
Not your language?


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|Clematis 'Rooguchi'
I think I'll keep it and maybe get some more small-flowered, bell-shaped clematis because I like them. I like them a lot. I have two more in pots on the patio that I need to plant sometime soon.
I like them so much that the other night, I had three more small-flowered clematis in my online shopping cart, but I held off clicking the "submit" button just to prove to myself that I could show some restraint when it comes to plants.
Plus the ones in my cart weren't the ones I really want.
The ones I really want are sold out, so I signed up to get an email when they are available again.
I also like Bletilla sp., hardy ground orchids, these days.
In other garden news, and this is the part that many people like the best, I've decided to show before and after pictures of Woodland Follies/August Dream Garden because the transformation is remarkable, even though the plantings are fairly new.
As the Hort-enabler replied when I sent her a picture showing a new bird bath in the garden, "You would never know it was the same yard."
That's exactly what I had hoped for when I hired a garden designer two winters ago.
What was once a yard is now a garden. And I could not have done it without the garden designer. I'm just not wired for "garden design". I'm wired for plants, for gardening, for digging, for growing vegetables, for coveting small-flowered clematis and hardy ground orchids, for buying tiny, cute plants for fairy gardens, for mowing, for collecting hoes, for having conversations with Dr. Hortfreud.
Here's a before picture, looking from the patio out to a few trees planted in the yard.
patio transformation last summer.
This evening, I took this picture from roughly that same spot.
I hope you can see that I'm no longer looking out at a yard with a few trees planted in it.
I hope you can see that there is a garden there, with a path running through it.
It's quickly become one of my favorite spots in the garden.


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JenChicago, NBC Chicago Street Team
It was a HUGE success! Arthur Murray's Fourth Annual "Dancing with Chicago Celebrities" raised $67,000 for the Chicagoland Area Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®,and what a fun way to do it! All of the toe-tapping fun went down on Friday, March 13, 2009, when Chicago celebrities paired with Arthur Murray professional dance instructors at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
The winning team included Dana Kozlov, Assignment Reporter from CBS 2, and her Arthur Murray partner Edgar Chavarria. The MVP went to Robbie Ventura, who along with his team raised the most – $4,680. Other celebrities competing included Pat Cassidy, Radio Personality on WLS 890 AM, Lourdes Duarte, Assignment Reporter for WGN 9, Daryl Hawks, Sports Anchor and Reporter for NBC 5, Evelyn Holmes, Assignment Reporter for ABC 7, and Katie Lorenz, Miss Illinois 2008. The night's emcee was NBC 5 Sports Anchor, Mike Adamle. WGN Anchor Dina Bair, NBC 5's Meteorologist, Ginger Zee and ABC7's Traffic Reporter Roz Varon also returned as alumni.
For more tail-feather shakin' videos, check out JenChicago.com!
Find me on Facebook! (Search: JenChicago)


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Sally Starr, 90, the vivacious blonde TV cowgirl who served as a surrogate parent for the Philadelphia region's baby boomers, died Sunday morning.
Starr died peacefully in a South Jersey nursing home shortly after 6 a.m., according to Michael Yip, a close friend of Starr's. She had been in poor health for years, both from various natural causes as well as from the effects of a 2005 car crash.
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/Philadelphia_TV_legend_Sally_Starr_dies_at_90_.html#ixzz2JEfFgQ7I
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else


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Fall Semester delay due to fires — starts August 31. Learn More Register Now
Wildfire resources for impacted students, employees, and County residents. Learn More
Resources for students and information about our response. Learn More
Economics is concerned with the way individuals and societies allocate scarce resources, how resources are turned into the things people want, and how those things are distributed.
Any situation requiring choice among competing needs can be viewed as an economic problem. Economics courses enable students to study the way households and businesses make these choices (microeconomics), the way governments make these choices and the consequences of these choices for the nation as a whole (macroeconomics). The curriculum also addresses international trade, social welfare, money and banking, taxation, and environmental protection.
An economics major with an A.A. degree generally transfers to a four-year institution to complete a Bachelor's degree. Economics graduates at the Bachelor's level are qualified for a variety of positions with government, industry, and public interest organizations and they are well prepared to enter a graduate program in economics, business, journalism, law, or public policy. Teaching at the two-year college level is an option if a Master's degree is obtained. An economist can obtain the Ph.D. Degree, which may lead to research and/or teaching at the university level, or basic research in government, industry, or public interest organizations. Nearly every four-year college and university offers an economics major.
|Economics Department
|Cheryl Barkey


text:
Modest Mouse's music has inspired many a fan to become a musician and start playing themselves. Here's a collection of tablature, as interpreted by other fans throughout the years, to help any level of musician in their quest to perform.
This section is not just limited to guitar and bass tabs, so if you have worked out piano scores, drum tabs, or a bad-ass version of Exit Does Not Exist on a tambourine, please send it to us.


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One night when I was working with Peter, there was a code. Both on-call teams ran to it. Since I was the junior resident my job was to stay out of the way, but look like I was doing something important. Like leaning against a wall to keep it from collapsing.
Peter and Stephanie were at the head of the bed. She was setting up to intubate the patient, and Peter was watching the heart monitor and calling for meds (they were REALLY into this sort of shit. Another resident once told me that codes were probably their idea of foreplay). At one point Peter tore off a rhythm strip, handed it to me, turned back to the bed and yelled, "Sweetie! Can you intubate him now?"
There was a (pardon the phrase) dead silence.
The code stopped for a few seconds and all eyes were on the married couple. Finally, Stephanie said (with icicles on every syllable):
"Don't call me 'Sweetie' during a code."
Then she intubated the guy, and the code continued.
I don't remember if the patient made it, but I know I almost lost it.


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I adore breakfast. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, French Toast, Benedicts, I love it all. Apparently Virginia loves breakfast too because she offered up FIVE different recipes for this week's episode of Southern Saturday with Virginia. What the heck should I make? The Mini Country Ham Cheddar Biscuits are always a good choice but I've still got yeast rolls hanging around so that was a no. The Fried Apple Pies look great especially a recipe with dried apples but I think I'll save that for another day. That left the frittata, the baked eggs or the Dutch Baby Pancake. I settled on the pancake because I'd never made one before. And it's really easy.
Of course, I couldn't just leave it at that. I mean the oven was on anyway, why not take advantage of it. I blame Virginia with her damned Baked Egg suggestions. So I decided to make muffin size pancakes in some of the cups of my muffin tin and in the other cups? Come on people.....it's ME! Bacon nests with a baked egg. Once they were all baked, I put the bacon/egg nest in the mini Dutch Baby Pancake and made my own freaky McMuffin.


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I am using jboss server and try to deploy my application in Intellij Idea but unfortunately it is compling successfully but while deploying i am recieving the foolowing error.
[INFO] Total time: 2.637s
[INFO] Finished at: Sat Sep 07 15:45:30 IST 2013
[INFO] Final Memory: 3M/7M
[ERROR] Failed to execute goal org.apache.maven.plugins:maven-deploy-plugin:2.7:deploy (default-deploy) on project pinnacle: Deployment failed: repository element was not specified in the POM inside distributionManagement element or in -DaltDeploymentRepository=id::layout::url parameter -> [Help 1]
[ERROR] To see the full stack trace of the errors, re-run Maven with the -e switch.
[ERROR] Re-run Maven using the -X switch to enable full debug logging.
[ERROR] For more information about the errors and possible solutions, please read the following articles:
I have created maven application and my application has 4 modules.


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Do any of you remember the show Clarissa Explains It All back in the 90's? At that point I constantly was told I looked just like Melissa Joan Hart.
Then several years ago it became "Oh my goodness, you look just like that girl in American Beauty!" No one seemed to know her name yet so I'd answer, "Yes? Mena Suvari?" All. The. Time.
So, who do you look like? Post it on your blog, then come back and leave a comment directing us to your blog. (If you don't have a blog, no biggie. Just leave a comment and we'll include you anyway.) Awww heck, let's turn it into another giveaway!! I'll draw a random name on Feb. 3 for a free surprise piece of jewelry from PamperingBeki.


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So in order to prove that I'm actually doing my masters – I thought I'd show you a info comic that's going at the start of the book. The idea of it is that it's a super simple queer 101, it's only a draft at this stage, and it's pretty flawed still but here it is anyway:
Also! My friend works for Amnesty International – and they're having a wicked fundraiser, if any Auckland artist folks want to be involved:
Amnesty International Fundraising Event:
We are organising a live street art day followed by an auction to celebrate our 50th Birthday.
We have titled the event "The Art of Freedom – taking it to the streets" and it stems from the idea that change starts from ordinary people speaking out from the streets in protest of human rights violations around the world. We are hoping to use the connection between Amnesty's action against injustices and the questioning nature of street art to spread awareness of Amnesty International while celebrating our 50th year of defending human rights. We have also done a lot of campaigning on behalf of artists who have been unfairly punished for using their freedom of expression and would like the event to highlight the importance of this right in creating change for the better.
The event itself will be split into two days. The first will be live street art painting, were artists from Disruptiv and Cracked Ink will create works in St Kevin's Arcade to raise awareness for Amnesty and generate interest for the exhibition. This will take place on Thursday June the 9th between 11am and 2pm. The second event is the exhibition that will include the works from the live painting as well as pieces from artists around New Zealand. Already we have several works that have been donated, including ones from ATom 1746, James R Ford and Seekayem. Oi You!, the national street art competition are on board, helping us with promotion and sending us prints to add to the collection.
If you would be willing to help by donating a piece, participating in the live painting or simply suggesting the idea to other artists who might be interested we would appreciate it greatly.
For more info email Rachel at:
events(DOT)intern (AT) amnesty (DOT) org (DOT) nz


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I've had all the physical signs that ovulation happened this week.
Yeah, that seems useful.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Mother Nature Doesn't Read Her Memos
I've had all the physical signs that ovulation happened this week.
Posted by Good Egg Hatched at 7:58 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Highs and Lows, on an iPhone
I went for a nice long walk/run today. One of my favorite parts of walking, other than zoning out and often clearing out enough fog from my brain to elicit new ideas, is listening to music. I recently discovered the wonders of Pandora radio -- I love choosing an artist based on my mood and listening to the mix of similar music on "their" station.
There's a commercial around here for a fertility clinic that Pandora plays (for those of us who don't cough up the fee for their service) from time to time. It begins, "Are you having trouble getting pregnant?" and I swear to you, every time I hear it, I come this close to throwing my iPhone into the Long Island Sound.
It came on today and almost killed my good mood. Almost.
But then Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" started playing and, just as it does every time I hear it, it gave me the feeling that more good things are coming, right around the corner.
Posted by Good Egg Hatched at 5:01 PM 4 comments Links to this post


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Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a large pan, add the chopped mushrooms and sauté over medium heat, allowing the mushrooms to soften and the moisture to evaporate. Spread onto a tray and cool.
To make the batter, sift the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper into a bowl, stirring with a whisk to incorporate. Beat the eggs into the milk and add to the flour mixture, stirring to make a thick batter. Add the chopped mushrooms and green onions.
Heat the remaining 2 Tbsps butter in the pan, then spoon the batter into 2 inch, thin circles onto the pan. When bubbles appear on the surface, turn the crepes over and cook for another 20-30 seconds.
Remove to a sheet pan and allow to cool briefly. The crepes may be stacked once cool.
To assemble:
Arrange the crepes on a serving platter or tray. Top with a spoonful of sour cream, then add a few strips of duck prosciutto and, lastly, a little chutney and a sprig of fresh herbs, if desired.


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Moms need to share their birth story, or stories, sometimes many times, as a part of the emotional work of integrating the birth.
There are so many valuable reasons to tell our stories, to share our births, and to find our strengths through the retelling.
We each make the best decisions for ourselves and our families with the information we have at any point in a labor or birth and we need to be kind in our judgments of ourselves as birthing women. Honor these moments that make us mothers.
Whether a first baby or fourth bundle, women remember the birth story for each of their babies throughout their lives. We carry those feelings of awe or disappointment, of bliss or worry, of empowerment or loss.
Readers, Twitter followers, and birth story junkies have reached out to me over the years which prompted me to post the stories of each of my very different births. A hospital birth with epidural, episiotomy and even a vacuum extraction, a Cesarean section and a natural, unmedicated water birth.


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List my domain with Domain Listing Service
Once you have authenticated your account, listing a domain with List for Sale is easy.
Note: Once your accounts are authenticated, you can't unlink them. You may contact email@example.com for further support.
- Log in to your My Products page.
- If you aren't automatically directed there, make sure to select the My Products tab:
- Click Manage All:
- You must be in the Advanced list view (BETA) of your account in order to manage listings. In the upper right corner, choose Advanced list view (BETA):
- Select the domain you want to list and click on Domain Listing Service from the Estimate Value column.
- On the Set domain prices page, fill out the following fields:
Note: The estimated value of the domain is based on data analysis that helps estimate the predicted sale price of a domain.
- List price: What the buyer can pay for immediate purchase and without negotiation.
- Floor price (optional): The lowest acceptable sales price our sales executives can negotiate without seeking your approval. This price is not viewable to buyers.
If you enter a list price but no floor price, the minimum floor price will automatically be set to 65% of the list price. However, if you set a floor price along with a list price and the amount is lower than the MIN price (the minimum price allowed for an offer on a domain, or 65% of the list price), then the MIN price will be equal to the floor price.
Note: If the domain is already listed on Afternic, the list price of the domain will show up in the list price field for that domain.
Note: We use domain forwarding to point your domain to our for-sale landers. You can manually change the domain back at any time.
You can now easily manage your listings at any time.


text: I just got one of those Microsoft Natural keyboards, and it has a bunch of hot keys, and comes with a program to reconfigure them to do things other than the default. I would like to reconfigure the media buttons (play/pause/next/etc) to work with Winamp. Does anyone know what I need to pass to Winamp to make it change tracks, play/pause, and stop? Maybe I should change the volume keys to work with just winamp, too.


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Urban Dharma Penang is a group of practitioners of the Buddhadharma based in Penang but connected to Urban Dharma North Carolina (udharmanc.com) in the United States. Our main objective is to focus on the learning, contemplating and practicing of Buddhadharma under the guidance of Dr. Lye - whom all of us have met and connected with. In particular, we are grounded in the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism but we are fundamentally non-sectarian in nature.
What do we offer now?
The focus is on a modern, simplistic yet holistic approach towards Tibetan Buddhism, its understanding, practice and application in daily life.
We gather every week on Thursday night at 8-9:30 pm at Bodhi Heart Sanctuary, Mt Eskine, Penang to learn, contemplate and practice the Buddhadharma together. Twice a month, wherever in the world Dr. Lye may be, he has agreed to join us via Skype. Our first gathering will be on Nov 26, 2016. Dr. Lye is requiring that all participating members attend all meetings together (unless you do not live in Penang and has made alternate arrangements with Dr. Lye).


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Edmonds School District has developed brochures to help parents understand their child's progress reports. Each brochure also outlines what your child should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level. To view the brochures by grade level in English, Spanish, Russian, or Korean, click here.
For more information on Elementary Curriculum, please contact Robin Sloate, (425) 431-7145.


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Oramics to Electronica: Revealing Histories of Electronic Music at London Science Museum
Oramics to Electronica: Revealing Histories of Electronic Music, opens tomorrow at the London Science Museum.
The Oramics machine is a device of great importance to the development of British electronic music," says Mick Grierson, Director of the Daphne Oram Collection at Goldsmiths. "It's a great shame that Daphne's contribution has never been fully recognised, but now that we have the machine at the Science Museum, it's clear for all to see that she knew exactly how music was going to be made in the future, and created the machine to do it."
Rare archive footage and an interactive version of The Oramics Machine feature in the exhibition. Sound and Music and Goldsmith's have also created an iPhone app that recreates the sound of The Oramics Machine.
Oramics To Electronica enters its second phase on October 10, when it will be showcasing a wide array of electronic music and sound reproduction equipment with help from employees of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and Electronic Music Studio (EMS), who produced the first commercial British synthesizer, the VCS3 (rocked by everyone from Brian Eno to Life On Earth composer Edward Williams). In October and November, a programme of "Electronica, Radiophonics and Oramics associated events, workshops and performances" will run alongside the exhibition; details to follow. - FACT magazine
Star Trek Non Places
"…non places are the real measure of our time; one that could be quantified – with the aid of a few conversions between area, volume and distance – by totalling all the air, rail and motorway routes, the mobile cabins called 'means of transport' aircraft, trains and road vehicles, the airports and railway stations, hotel chains, leisure parks, large retail outlets, and finally the complex skein of cable and wireless networks that mobilize extraterrestrial space for the purposes of a communication so peculiar it often puts the individual in contact only with another image of himself." - Marc Augé, Non Places: Introduction to an Anthropology of Supermodernity
Images via Space Trek, a tumblr devoted to "the quiet despair of the Starship Enterprise." (via Boing Boing)
Mark Leckey at the Serpentine Gallery (19 May – 26 June 2011)
The difficulty in making work now is that there's this model of how a distributed kind of collective work could be made (i.e., through the Internet), but it can't be made in a gallery. The nature, or structure, of the gallery doesn't allow for that; it needs certain kinds of forms, certain objects. There's this term I like, "stigmergy": an ant goes out, lays a path of pheromones; the other ants follow that path, and then that path gets built up until it becomes a pathway. They use this term in open source to describe a programming language that has being continually added to and amended so that the original code has been lost or forgotten, but you're left with a structure that everyone can use. As an idea of making art, that seems really interesting—something made with the benefits of technology. At the same time, that idea is a long way from the art being made now, and a long way from Benjamin's idea of art's aura. The aura is still there; it still surrounds artworks, massively. The trouble is that more you start to distribute art or disperse it, the more mutable art becomes, until finally, it dissipates into just "LOLCats" or something. - Mark Leckey in an interview with Mark Fisher (Kaleidoscope, Summer 2011)
Installation view, Serpentine Gallery, London
(19 May – 26 June 2011)
Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore (1999.) Installation view
Previously: Brian Droitcour's interview with Leckey for Rhizome (2009)
Search Beyond Text
Google Fellow/software engineer Amit Singhal writes about the challenges inherent to searching for images in an essay for Google's Think Quarterly corporate webzine:
At Google, when we talk about organizing the world's information, we don't mean only text; images and videos contain a wealth of information. In the early days, this type of content simply didn't exist online. Now, through efforts like Google Earth and Street View, we can provide something incredibly valuable: images of your physical world.
However, in many ways, getting visual information online is the easy part. What's hard is understanding that information. Unlike text, we cannot simply read an image or video. We have to look inside them, dig out the pixels and translate them into something meaningful. For a long time, we considered this a pipe dream, but by combining search methodology and technological breakthroughs in computer vision, today we can match pictures at a visual level. Search for 'Mount Rushmore' on Google and our algorithms will analyze many factors, such as the shape and texture that produces a good image of Mount Rushmore, then return those images to you in striking full-color.
Quinn Norton - Privacy, Ephemerality, and Self
Journalist Quinn Norton explores ideas relating to privacy, secrecy, and self in an age where nothing is ever forgotten.


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Lowcountry Estuarium Intro and Driving Directions
Estuary: Where fresh and salt water meet and mix.
Estuarium: Land-based home to creatures from the estuary.
The Lowcountry Estuarium is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to the principle of "Conservation through Education"
Since the August 2011 closing, due to funding losses, of our Learning Center on Paris Ave. in Port Royal, SC; the facility's creatures have found an interim home in the art gallery/gift shop of the our curator, Bob Bender, which is also located in Port Royal at 630 16th St. Ext.
Visitation is available seven days a week by APPOINTMENT ONLY by calling 843-524-6600 or 843-263-7969 or email firstname.lastname@example.com. You should plan on spending 45 min. to an hour or even longer with inquisitive kids. And yes, the critters will be fed during your visit.
Note: Making your own videos of your visit for posting on YouTube and Facebook is encouraged.
There is no fee but donations will be greatly appreciated. All art sales benefit the Estuarium.


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Distribute Voter Guides
Help GRNC distribute up to 150,000 voter guides by registering gun voters at gun shops on Saturday, Oct. 15…
URGENT - On October 6, 2012, volunteers are needed to man gun shops (with permission GRNC obtains) wearing a "GRNC volunteer" pin. You are needed to provide voter guides and voter registration forms to interested individuals, and to help voters confirm they are correctly registered. If you can help, please email at: email@example.com and include your name, mailing address, and the gun shop at which you wish to distribute voter guides.
You are needed on the front line for this year's election. November 6, 2012, is a second day that may live in infamy for the United States of America if we do not act. In addition to active monitoring of the legislative process in Raleigh, GRNC expends much of its all-volunteer efforts in addressing election process needs by compiling a "Remember in November" fact sheet on all elected officials for our state.
Your help is needed in three election efforts. You may or may not choose to support all three initiatives, but please sign-up for at least one! Here are the concepts; more information and instructions will be provided to those that volunteer:
• Hand out voter guides and register voters at gun shops on Oct. 6 (see above); and/or
• Help mail GRNC-PVF postcards into selected districts: On or about October 15, we need volunteers to conduct GRNC-PVF (Political Victory Fund) election alert postcard mailings from their homes. This is a great project for anyone too busy to get away from home but able to work during the times that fit personal schedules around this date (your feet are up and you're watching the game, the kids are asleep, etc.). This effort has been extremely effective in past election cycles, including the primaries this year; and/or
• Hand out voter guides at both early voting stations and at your polls on Election Day: The preferred early voting days would be Friday, 11-2 and Saturday, 11-3; these are the highest volume early voting days. If you have done this type of activity before, you are needed for this election more than any other in the past. If you have not done this type of activity, then this is THE time to start.
If you can help, please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
• Find your polling place for November 2 by calling your county Board of Elections or by going to http://www.ncsbe.gov/ and clicking on "My Polling Place." For early ("One-stop") voting places in your county, call your Board of Elections or go to the site above and click on "One Stop Voting Sites."
Please contact Tony Kaus at email@example.com to learn more and/or sign-up for one or all three of these initiatives. Armed with GRNC's "Remember in November" information you can inform voters in your district about the candidates and whether or not they support 2A rights. Volunteers are needed across our State!
Remember, this November is almost certainly the most important election in our lifetime. Take action now, do something to help, we must all fight or suffer the consequences of our inaction. If you cannot help in this way be sure to look for other ways to support GRNC – the most effective 2A rights advocacy in North Carolina. Be sure to monitor www.grnc.org for ways to keep supporting your 2A.
Copyright Info
© 2012 GRNCFFE, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution is permitted provided full attribution is given and the item is reprinted in its entirety. Address questions to: firstname.lastname@example.com
Find Your Representatives
NC STATE House & Senate: http://www.grnc.org/contact_reps.htm
FEDERAL Congressman: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
FEDERAL Senators: http://www.senate.gov/
GRNC Sponsors
Support these PRO RKBA merchants who, as GRNC sponsors, are supporting your Second Amendment rights:
Corporate Benefactors
Hyatt Gun Shop, 3332 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208, 704-394-0387, www.hyattguns.com
C & E Gun Shows, 4225 Fortress Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060; Phone 540-953-0016 or 888-715-0606; http://www.cegunshows.com/
Dixie Gun and Knife Shows, PO Box 21049, Raleigh, NC 27619, ph: 919-781-1287, www.dixiegunandknifeshow.com/
NCGunOwners.com, North Carolina's friendliest firearm community, working to
promote gun ownership in NC www.NCGunOwners.com
Handgunners, Inc., 4325 NC Hwy 49 South, Burlington, NC 27215, (336) 570-1015 www.handgunners.com
Sterling Pistols, custom pistols, FFL transfers, general repairs, Glock enhancements, 704-840-7625
Corporate Patrons
Down South Ammo, Home of "SOUTHERN THUNDER" Exploding Targets, http://downsouthammo.com/
Holsters & Stuff, 4048 Sherwood Forest Drive, Trinity, NC 27370, (336) 313-6167 www.holstersandstuff.com
DoubleD Media, 8300 Raintree Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277, ph: 704-650-5555, fx: 704-544-0326 firstname.lastname@example.com
Gunner's Alley, LLC, 203 N. Harrison Ave., Ste. 130, Cary, NC 27513, www.gunnersalley.com, 919-388-1991, contact: Ed Guerriero, firstname.lastname@example.com
Corporate Sponsors
The Aisle Pawn Shop, 216 N. Main St., Mooresville, NC 28115, 704-663-5656
Duncan Gun & Pawn, 414 Second St., North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, 336-667-6303, www.duncangun.com
Shooter's Express, 2 Caldwell Dr., Belmont, NC 28012, 800-358-GUNS, www.shootersexpress.com
Vanguard Security Consulting, LLC, 19135 W. Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031


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We've got 3 definitions for RTFB »
What does RTFB stand for?
What does RTFB mean? This page is about the various possible meanings of the acronym, abbreviation, shorthand or slang term: RTFB.
Filter by: Sort by:PopularityAlphabeticallyCategory
Read The F#%$ing Book
Read The F#%*in' Book
Round To Flat Beam
What does RTFB mean?
- "RTFB" is a parodical extension to the Internet slang term "RTFM" and its extension "RTFS". "RTFB" is short for "read the fucking binary", in a similar way as "RTFM" means "read the fucking manual" and "RTFS" means "read the fucking source". While both "RTFM" and "RTFS" have legitimate uses, "RTFB" is usually intended only as a parody of them. While any user, no matter how tech-savvy, can be expected to read the manual, and experienced computer programmers can deduce the working logic of a computer program directly from reading its human-readable source code, "RTFB" expects users to directly read the machine language code that the microprocessor executes natively. Today's microprocessors are usually so complex that, except for trivial textbook programs, this is a difficult task even for experienced programmers, and because of anti-reverse-engineering laws, may even be illegal. RTFB has also been used meaning "Read the fucking Bible" in relation to WWJD jokes. A more recent use, applied to members of the legislative branch, means "read the fucking bill". It is a reaction to the practice of passing massive legislation where the final bill is available for only a few hours before it is voted upon.
Discuss these RTFB abbreviations with the community:
Still can't find the acronym definition you were looking for? Use our Power Search technology to look for more unique definitions from across the web!
Use the citation options below to add these abbreviations to your bibliography.
"RTFB." Abbreviations.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2020. Web. 21 Sep. 2020. <https://www.abbreviations.com/RTFB>.


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First lady Michelle Obama was in Tucson on Monday as part of a four-state campaign push in the West — a visit that has political analysts saying that Arizona could very well be up for grabs in November's presidential election.
She also visited Colorado on Monday, and will be in Nevada and New Mexico Tuesday.
Speaking to about 450 people at a fundraiser for President Barack Obama's re-election campaign in Arizona, Mrs. Obama said the campaign will be a long, hard road with twists and turns, and she urged the crowd to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
"Are you in?" she said. "I know so well what the stakes are. ... We need you every step of the way."
IN PICTURES: Michelle Obama in Haiti and Mexico
Mrs. Obama landed in the southern Arizona city Monday evening after stopping in Colorado Springs, Colo., where she helped open the 2012 Warrior Games, a six-day sports competition for wounded soldiers and veterans. Mrs. Obama told the athletes that they are an inspiration for all Americans.
"Every competitor here has faced adversity that most of us can never imagine," she said. "No matter how seriously you are injured, no matter what obstacles or setbacks you face, you just keep moving forward.
"You just keep pushing yourselves to succeed in ways that just mystify and leave us all in awe," she said.
After arriving in Tucson, the first lady hugged and spoke at the airport with Tucson children and teens who volunteer at a local urban farm before leaving for the fundraiser.
Mrs. Obama said that the election will be about the country asking, "Who are we?"
"The choice we make will determine nothing less than who we are as a country, but more importantly, who we want to be," she said. "Will we be a country where opportunity is limited to just a few at the top? Or will we be a place where if you work hard, you can get ahead no matter who you are or how you started out."
The first lady's visit comes on the heels of stops in Arizona less than two weeks ago by Vice President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
Biden attended a private fundraiser April 19 in Phoenix. The next day, Romney had a round-table discussion with Hispanic business and community leaders before holding a rally in Tempe.
"All the indicators are that Arizona's in play," said Jim Haynes, president of the nonpartisan, Phoenix-based Behavior Research Center, which conducts election polls.
"The voters are obviously restless and wrestling with what they're going to do in November," Haynes said. "There's still a lot of question marks in their minds. And as things unfold positively and negatively on behalf of each one of them, I think people are going to bounce back and forth."
A recent poll by the Behavior Research Center showed that 42 percent of the 511 registered voters contacted across the state supported Obama, 40 percent supported Romney and that 18 percent were unsure. Because the poll, which was conducted April 9-17, had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points, Obama and Romney are considered about even among Arizona voters.
In terms of fundraising, Romney has been more successful, raising $1.7 million in the state through March 31, compared with Obama's $1.1 million.
Haynes said that although Arizona doesn't carry the electoral punch like California, Florida and other states, it is highly coveted by both parties for its national reputation as a Republican stronghold and as ground zero for the immigration debate.
"Arizona's a symbolic state now, for both sides," he said. "It's big stuff for a Democratic candidate to be able to say, 'I'm running neck and neck in a state like Arizona.' The flip side is that Romney has a strong interest in keeping the so-called faith base safe.
"We're going to get a lot of attention paid to Arizona," Haynes added.
Bruce Merrill, a poll director at the nonpartisan Morrison Institute in Phoenix, said that Arizona "certainly is in play."
"If the election were held today, I think Romney would probably win," he said. "But six months is a long time, and certainly the Democrats have some things going for them this year that they haven't had in the past."
Merrill said that includes Obama's incumbent status and the fact that Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Richard Carmona may draw more Hispanics to the polls.
The Behavior Research Center's poll showed that Hispanics in Arizona favor Obama over Romney 64 to 25 percent, with 11 percent unsure.
The last time a Democratic candidate won the presidential race in Arizona was Bill Clinton's re-election in 1996.
Shane Wikfors, communications director with the Arizona Republican Party, said the Obama campaign is well organized and has a network in place in Arizona and across the country, giving them an advantage.
But Wikfors said Romney's campaign is very disciplined and can come out on top.
"Our take on the Obama administration thinking that they can put Arizona in play is, let them continue to believe that," he said. "In fact, let them spend as much money here in Arizona as they want. Arizona is going to remain red."
He said Arizonans upset about the economy and the unemployment rate will vote for Romney.
Luis Heredia, chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party, said Democrats have thought they could win presidential races in the past but that there is a different energy on the ground in the state this time around.
He said Arizonans frustrated with the Republican-led Legislature will turn to Obama, and that the first lady's visit Monday should be the first of many high-profile visits from Obama's team.
"It's going to motivate Democrats for what's going to be an exciting summer," he said. "We're hoping her visit will be the first of many different things that will motivate voters, not only Democrats, but independents and frustrated Republicans."
On Tuesday, Mrs. Obama heads to Nevada and New Mexico. Obama scheduled to attend a fundraiser and meet with supporters in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning, a day after she stopped in Colorado and Arizona.
Nevada is among several key battleground states that could determine whether President Barack Obama receives a second term in the White House. Her Las Vegas stop comes amid frequent visits to Nevada from various cabinet members, Vice President Joe Biden and the president.
Obama won Nevada in 2008, but the state voted Republican in 2000 and 2004.
In New Mexico, Mrs. Obama will be greeted by airmen from Kirtland Air Force Base and their families when she arrives in Albuquerque on Tuesday afternoon. She's then scheduled to speak at the private fundraiser.
(Reporting by Rema Rahman in Colorado)
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.


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Catholic dating tips: Lessons from a strip-tease dancer
November 2, 2013 Leave a comment
Why do many men go to clubs to watch a strip-tease dancer do her art? Well, she can simply go out naked on stage, gyrate, and spread her legs, but there would be nothing exciting about it. It's just that: there is no more room for imagination. As Einstein said, imagination is more powerful than knowledge. So to arouse men's sexual passions, a strip-tease dancer has to invite men to a journey of discovery by making them think and guess what lies more beyond than meets the eye. A strip-tease dancer must turn herself into a rosebud with her petals all wrapped up, and then slowly bloom before men's eyes, opening each petal one by one as the Spring opens skillfully and mysteriously her first rose: the outer coat, shirt, and bra; the skirt, the shoes, the stockings, the half-slip, and underwear. And finally there is nothing left to see, but a woman gyrating on stage.


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2008 Indy Truck Bash - Custom Truck Show
An Institution In The World Of Custom
Unless you live under a rock in the Midwest, you've been to Indy Truck Bash. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? For the past 16 years, Indy Truck Bash, returning once again to the O'Reilly Raceway Park just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been a celebration of all things custom. You couldn't ask for better conditions for a truck show than blue skies and temperatures in the low 80s-a welcome break from the annual blistering heat of mid August. Despite the struggling economy and ridiculous gas prices, thousands of spectators and participants continued to roll in throughout the weekend. With MC Kidd Kutt providing background music, spectators and participants roamed the grounds checking out all of the latest customs and innovations from the various vendors and participants. If all of the custom trucks and cars was just too much too handle, you could always watch the club olympics, hydraulic competition, high/low contest, or the Miss ITB contest. Congratulations go out to Sean Berkey for taking home the Best Fullsize award with his beautiful '66 Chevy Pickup, and Rob Hohlt for taking Best Mini with his '02 Chevy Blazer. Thousands of customs, thousands of people, a killer nightlife, and just an overall great weekend-how could you not be there?
The 411
Show name:
Indy Truck Bash
Show name:
Indy Truck Bash
Aug 15-17, 2008
Aug 15-17, 2008
Venue (city/state):
O'Reilly Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Indiana
O'Reilly Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Indiana
Spectator attendance:
Total vehicle entrants:
Awards Given:
First-Third Place trophies were awarded in several classes, plus some "best of" awards
First-Third Place trophies were awarded in several classes, plus some "best of" awards
Special Events:
Bikini contest, high/low contest, hydraulic competition, club olympics
Bikini contest, high/low contest, hydraulic competition, club olympics
33 vendors including Gauge magazine, Suicide Doors
33 vendors including Gauge magazine, Suicide Doors
Contact For Future Events:


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Client Dilbit Cooling
Location USA and Canada
Sectors Oil and gas
The challenge
Help prevent a reduction in productivity
A large sustainable energy company in Fort McMurray, Alberta, was facing a potential temperature management crisis at its tank farm that blended and diluted bitumen. Diluted bitumen has a lower viscosity, which means it can be transported in pipelines. This helps save on transport costs but it can be a hazardous process. If the mixture is not cooled down enough there is a danger that the vapours can catch alight, which is not only a significant health and safety hazard, it also creates a real possibility of the facility shutting down. Without effective and reliable cooling our customer faced a reduction in output and loss of productivity.
Project fact file
Total power provided
Cooling capacity supplied
Temperature decrease after cooling
Amount of diluted bitumen cooled
The solution
A cooling package designed to meet our customer's needs
The real value to our customer was in the use of our proven process services design package. In a very short timeframe our senior process engineers mapped out the scope for the project, modelled conditions, simulated potential solutions, and provided cost estimates.
Having reviewed our plans, our customer decided they might turn the temporary installation into a permanent one, and brought in a construction and engineering firm to do the heavy lifting. Working closely with the construction firm, we provided process requirements, teams for mechanical and electrical concept, cooling equipment, technical support and project management.
the aggreko difference
Putting the right team in place to get the job done.
The impact
The blending process is back on track
We provided 4,000 tonnes of cooling powered by 6 MW of power, which brought the blending process back down to acceptable temperatures. The new system had the capacity to cool 192,000 bbd of diluted bitumen to below 100°F, compared to a previous high of 134°F, and get the tanks back to full capacity.
Our service engineers were an integral part of the project every step of the way. They provided the expertise and understanding that was needed to keep the project on track and make sure all the electrical and mechanical components were bought together in the correct order and to a high level of execution.
"We have the expert skills to design and install a solution in a matter of weeks without the need for capital expenditure."
Tell us what you need
We'll help you find what's right for you


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Is the recent move toward unity among Catholic and evangelical leaders the healthy, necessary step many are claiming it to be? Or does the unity being proposed only cloud the truth about salvation and compromise bother evangelical and Catholic doctrine?
John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul, James Kennedy, and host John Ankerberg tackle those questions plus much more in Irreconcilable Differences: Catholics, Evangelicals, and the New Quest for Unity. This messages open-forum discussion includes a thought-provoking analysis of the recent Cathloic-evangelical accord, and offers a concise comparison of the Catholic and evangelical doctrines of salvation. You'll also join panel members for a forty-minute question-and-answer session as they field questions from the studio audience.
Irreconcilable Differences is fascinating listening and addresses vital issues—issues both Catholics and evangelicals can't afford to misunderstand!